Another ERPC thread

[smellsofelderberries]

Just a few quick questions- I'm having an ERPC tomorrow and have questions I haven't been able to find the answers to in other threads.

1. I have been told I will need to take knickers off and just have hospital gown on when going into the theatre, think I can probably manage that but want to know if I will just lie down when they sedate me and they will position me as needed when I'm out? Or will I be expected to put my feet in stirrups or whatever before I'm out? Don't think I could handle having to expose myself intentionally, just want to lie down and be put to sleep and not really have to think about it.
   
   
2. Will I have underwear and a pad on when I wake up? Or will I still be naked underneath the hospital gown and be put on an absorbent change mat type thing?
   
   
3. I have bad anxiety issues- can I ask for something when I get to hospital to keep me calm? I think I can go through with the surgery (I need to go through with the surgery, I need for this to all be over) but I might need some help. Also thinking I might take an extra dose of my anti-anxiety meds tonight before bed to help (my GP has said a while ago that I can do that if I'm going through a particularly stressful time).
   
   Any help on these points would be so appreciated. I have a lot of anxiety issues and really need to feel in control of situations, so not knowing exactly what to expect is really what's doing my head in!

[Kcat78]

Can't help with number 3, but number 1: you'll be anaesthetised and they'll sort out the position for you once you're out for the count and 2. I woke up with a pad between my legs but no knickers so I put them on once back on the ward. Sorry to hear you have to experience this and I hope you don't find it too stressful x

[MyNameIsSuz]

Sorry you're having to go through this, hopefully it means you're able to start moving on afterwards.

I had an erpc in March, and although it might be different at different hospitals, my experiences would be -

1. I walked down to theatre (so take slippers) and lay down on the bed to be sedated. I don't remember if I kept my pants on as I was bleeding so still needed a pad, I think they gave me net hospital knickers and pad which I assume they took off once I was out. No indecent exposure and they were very nice, the very nice anaesthetist held and stroked my hand while I was going under.
   

1. I woke up with a pad up against my bits but no pants. I was wheeled back to the ward once fully awake where dh was waiting for me, and I think I put some pants on when I eventually got up to walk to the toilet.
   

1. No idea I'm afraid, but can't hurt to ask.
   

I hope it all goes well for you and that you're listened to and treated kindly. It seems like gynae wards are good at that generally. for you.

[smellsofelderberries]

Thanks so much, that really helps. I HATE feeling vulnerable and the whole thing is so undignified as it is, so don't want things to be more undignified than absolutely necessary IYSWIM. Were you covered with a blanket/sheet when you woke? Will I get taken back to DH as soon as I wake up? Don't really want to wake without him there.

[MyNameIsSuz]

I was, I was all tucked up in a normal hospital bed. I got really cold and shivery when I woke up and they put this amazing blanket on top which they pumped hot air underneath, it was amazing. I came to in the recovery room and dh had to wait in the ward, but I was wheeled back to the ward as soon as I'd come around properly.

I get what you mean about everything being so undignified, the numerous internal scans and the feeling of being just yet another patient to the hospital staff, but my treatment on the ward and in surgery was very different, everyone was really kind and sympathetic.

[Kcat78]

I also woke up in a recovery room and was wheeled back to ward. Was under a blanket and there was no pain. Felt a bit strange after the anaesthetic but that soon passed and there were no other after affects. Please take care and try not to worry - talk to the staff with any concerns you have on the day and they will help you as much as they can x